Frankie Banali, iconic drummer of Quiet Riot, died Thursday, August 20 of pancreatic cancer. He was 68.
Banali, who had been diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer in April of 2019, was given six months to live, but fought a long fight for 16 months, enduring 21 rounds of chemotherapy. While last in the hospital just a few days before his death, he suffered a series of strokes. When he passed in Los Angeles, he was surrounded by his wife and daughter.
His last post on Facebook was:
Banali’s family was no stranger to cancer – his mother died of breast cancer in 1990 and his father also died of pancreatic cancer in 1974. Banali was quite outspoken about his diagnosis, and urged everyone to get regular checkups. He also was an exuberant and enthusiastic fundraiser, donating his time and energy to many charities, including PanCAN, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
Pamela Acosta Marquardt, PanCAN founder said, “Frankie inspired friends, fans and the entire music industry around the globe, leaving a footprint of courage, hope and passion with every touch. We send much love and our endless gratitude to Regina and are immensely thankful for their willingness to share Frankie’s journey.”
Photo credit: Mark Weiss
Since 1982, Banali was the only member of the “classic” Quiet Riot lineup (Kevin DuBrow, Carlos Cavazo, Rudy Sarzo, Banali) who played at every show. He was pre-deceased by lead singer Kevin DuBrow in 2007, and with DuBrow’s mother’s blessing, reformed the band three years later in 2010. Quiet Riot was the first metal band ever to top the Billboard chart, and racked up 10 million in sales on the Metal Health (1983) album alone, with hits like the Slade cover “Cum On Feel The Noize” and “Metal Health (Bang Your Head)”, co-written by Banali. Watch the 2015 documentary, Quiet Riot: Well Now You’re Here, There’s No Way Back, for greater insight into the band.
In memory of @FrankieBanali and Kevin Dubrow listen to an @QUIETRIOT song today. And if you haven’t see “Now You’re Here; There’s No Way Back” the QR doc, it is a must see in Frankie’s memory.
— Dee Snider (@deesnider) August 21, 2020
Donations in Frankie’s name may be made to: The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Children International, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or fixnation.org. Funeral plans will be announced at a later date.
Wow. What a day. So sad to hear about the loss of @FrankieBanali. He fought hard until the end. His playing and rock ‘n’ roll spirit will live forever. A fellow New Yorker, Frankie was the real deal. RIP my friend.
“Take me away from all this death.”— Dee Snider (@deesnider) August 21, 2020